Graphics Illustration Photography Master of Design - MDes

The one-year MDes in Graphics/Illustration/Photography is a traditional extension from BA (Hons) practice. It is intended specifically for practitioners working in the individual fields named in the programme title.

Application is made via a portfolio, and a statement that describes the nature of the candidate’s intended project(s) throughout the year. In most cases, this will extend directly from undergraduate studies and/or professional experience, and will include examples of previous works.

The general approach Core Research Methods for Design course takes is framed around ‘research as response’ and ‘research as revision’ to support practice-led enquiries in studio and professional contexts. The course does not privilege specific ways of thinking about research; it underpins the formulation of research questions through practical engagement with craft process, material awareness, data gathering, contextual and critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources. It establishes a clear value, process and role for collaboration as a professional aptitude. The CRM aims to build confidence across the cohort as students work towards establishing group and individual frameworks for understanding how research can inform design decisions, and to enhance skills in communicating research through visual, oral and written means. The pace of delivery is varied across the CRM course, involving lectures, seminars and workshops for interdisciplinary plenaries, studio groups and individuals.

The stage 2 electives are provided across GSA and support students to further deepen and explore their areas of research interest. This will enable an intensification of discipline oriented-research methods and also foster interdisciplinary learning which is one of the areas of focus in stage 2.